Suspected Terrorist Arrested Near Lynden, Deported to Jordan

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Federal authorities have deported a Jordanian man with alleged ties to terrorism after his arrest near Lynden, Washington within the Bellingham Metropolitan Area. Mohammad Hasan Abdellatif Albana, 41, was removed from the United States on November 15 following an investigation and legal proceedings, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Albana was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents after reportedly crossing the border into the U.S. without being admitted, inspected, or paroled by immigration officials. He was identified as a known or suspected terrorist during processing. ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Seattle took custody of Albana shortly after his arrest.

“ERO Seattle is committed to the removal of noncitizens who pose a risk to the national security of the U.S.,” said Drew H. Bostock, Field Office Director for ERO Seattle. “Our officers perform these removals dutifully as part of a federal law enforcement effort to protect Pacific Northwest communities.”

Albana’s deportation followed immigration proceedings handled by the Executive Office for Immigration Review, an agency within the Department of Justice. This agency is separate from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security and oversees immigration courts where judges decide cases based on their merits.

Federal officials emphasized that noncitizens in removal proceedings are entitled to due process under U.S. law. In Albana’s case, ICE officers carried out the final deportation order issued by immigration judges.

ERO, one of ICE’s primary operational divisions, is responsible for identifying and removing individuals deemed to be a threat to public safety or who violate immigration laws. The agency operates 25 field offices across the U.S. and maintains a workforce of over 7,700 personnel domestically and internationally.

Federal authorities are urging the public to report suspicious activity or crimes by calling 866-347-2423 or submitting tips online.

The arrest and deportation of Albana highlight ongoing efforts by federal agencies to safeguard national security while upholding the legal rights of individuals in the immigration system. This incident also underscores the critical role border enforcement plays in maintaining community safety in regions like Northwest Washington.

Bellingham Metro News (BMN) continues to monitor this developing story and will provide updates as they become available.